From the Headmaster’s Desk 14 June 2019

On one of the many tours of Lyonsdown I have had the privilege of carrying out this week I overheard Miss Davies asking the Nursery children: “what season is it today?” This is an excellent question to stretch and challenge our youngest pupils, even more so in a week when I think it is summer, but with a post-modern twist of April showers. Our children (and their parents) have needed to be adaptable with clothing for school and I was delighted that everyone collaborated to ensure wet play went smoothly. I can assure you that the children were sent out whenever possible; Year 2 will attest to that fact – bravo for your perseverance at the Barnet Environmental Centre!

There has certainly not been a damp atmosphere at Lyonsdown, with a very exciting visit from The Good Schools Guide. We will let parents know how to find our review when it is published, but our visitor’s comment that “your pupils and school are both lovely” is one that has kept us smiling all week. In my interview, I was asked about the School’s plans for next year: alongside giving details of our summer holiday facilities work, we also discussed Lyonsdown’s plans for next year, including refreshing our curriculum, changes to English and the fact that all pupils (including Nursery and Reception) will be provided with school lunches.

Finally, there has been a parental request for a regular Liverpool column in these pages. As much as I would love to indulge my passion, sometimes other sports sum up the growth mindset we cherish at Lyonsdown far better. This week, the Toronto Raptors won the NBA Championship for the first time. Impressive stuff for a team that did not exist until 1995 and lacks their opponent’s “star players” such as Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant. The Raptors’ victory is testimony to the fact that collaboration and reaching for a common goal as a community is the key to success. I am very much hoping that the Lionesses of England will continue to prove this point in their World Cup match against Argentina.

All the best for a relaxing weekend.

Mr Hammond